High School football season is almost here and there is already game schedule changes. The reason? A shortage of referees for high school sporting events.

Some scheduled games have had to change from Friday night football to Saturday night football due to lack of officials or referees.

Lack of respect for officials is a problem for some referee contenders and could be a reason for low ref turnouts.

Did you know it takes a good 3 years for an official or referee to be ready for a varsity high school game?

If you are interested in becoming a referee contact Dan Murphy with the Southwest Missouri Football Officials Association at murphyd7@sbcglobal.net.